Top 10 questions answered in Medical Tourism

Having a surgery or a medical procedure abroad is a major decision. Most patients have never traveled overseas and it could be a very trying time for many patients. They have to overcome uncertainty, safety, anxiety, fear and financial concerns. Here, we have tried to address the top 10 concerns voiced by patients. Price: Why are prices so low overseas? rnIt is because the wages are low. Also many countries don’t have hefty mal practice premiums like in western countries. This in the hospitalization and medical care reasonably priced for the medical tourists. Hospitals: Are these hospitals any good?rnWell. It depends on where you go. The quality is all across the spectrum. The JCI accredited hospitals are generally of excellent quality and compares well with American hospitals. Trent accreditation and ISO are also OK. But at the same time, watch out for the medical facilities with much cheaper prices than the established hospitals. Do you really want to get operated on in a “hospital” with less than 10 beds? rnA typical JCI accredited hospital in India has at least 500 beds or more and has a dedicated international patient department. If this doesn’t tell you something- may god help you. Doctors: Can I trust these doctors?rnGood question. Again, it varies upon where you choose to go. In some countries, the specialties are not well regulated by Medical Boards/ governments. In some countries, it is not rare to see a general surgeon perform a spine surgery. Again, go for hospitals with highest accreditations. They generally employ the best doctors with highest training and international exposure. The same thing cannot be said about the other bottom feeders. Medical Tourism Companies: Whom should I trust? They all look good on the internet!!rnIt can be very difficult. A nice website doesn’t necessarily mean anything. A high google ranking also does not hold water in terms of quality. An ideal medical tourism company is professionally managed by health care professionals with on hands experience with real patients. A nice marketing call is not an assurance of quality. Be wary of the companies that deal with every hospital on the planet. How can they maintain relations with so many hospitals? Many companies claim that they employ nurses, but it is not true. Talk to the medical tourism provider and assess the situation yourself. The international exposure is a real asset for the medical tourism facilitator. The best medical tourism company has health care professionals on staff with real international exposure, selective in dealing with hospitals and has high level of ethical values Quote: How can I decide on the quotes given? They all sound good! Obviously look for the good hospital and the surgeon with good credentials. See if there is a fine print. Then consider the service levels of the hospital. Your medical tourism facilitator could be a great resource. If everything evens out, look for that special place you always wanted to go. Safety: How can I make sure of safety?rnThere is no substitute for common sense. Do your home work before choosing your destination. Don’t venture out alone after dark. Always let somebody know where you are going. Seek the help of hospital staff for recommendations or call your medical tourism facilitator. Passport & Visa: Why should I send my passport to other country’s embassy to get my visa?rnIt is their law. You are going to their country and you are required to follow their law. How would you feel if a foreigner intrudes into your country without proper controls and verification? Please make sure to have your passport before you start the medical tourism process. Allow about a month to get your visa. You might be required to provide medical documentation from your doctor to obtain your visa. Airlines Tickets: What should I do?rnYour medical tourism facilitator should help you out with this matter. Don’t buy the tickets until you got the visa. Book your tickets as soon as possible to get best prices. Touring abroad: How can I do that?rnPlan ahead. Do plenty of research. Again, ask your medical travel facilitator for recommendation. The hospital staff and hotel staff can also help you. Sometimes, it might be a good idea to use the services of local tourism guides from reputed companies. Upon return: What next? I have no idea!!rnYou should plan your continuing care. You might want to visit your primary care doctor. If you need to take medications after surgery, please make sure to plan ahead to get a substitute for you medicines from abroad. Please make sure to follow your surgeon’s recommendations abroad. You might still be able to call your surgeon abroad, but please value his time.